just to put it in perspective....most of us leave the military in order to work at delta...

I would talk it over with DAL first.

Guard/Reserve fighter? Hell yes it's worth it! The best flying you'll ever do in your life. I started on the civilian track joined AD and now do both. I love the Airline gig and opportunities it will provide my family, but flying wise and satisfaction in your accomplishments it doesn't even begin to compare. Yeah, it's not gonna be easy, but so what, most great things in life aren't easy.


Active Duty? Not worth it, and I don't think Delta would be required to keep you on since your commitment would far exceed the 5 years protected by USERA.

Read "Fighter Pilot" by Robin Olds. If he sounds like a guy you'd look up to and want to hang around with, sign up. If you find him offensive...well, please stay away. And yes, I realize it's a different AF now, but it still presents a good view of what being a fighter pilot and warrior means.

Edit:

Recruiters will lie to you quite a bit, be careful and do your research. For guard/reserve the real hiring takes place at the unit, not with a recruiter.

Also, if you're thinking heavies, I'd still say hell yes it's worth it, but I haven't flown one for what it's worth.

I say do it. It's not only about money. USERRA protects you beyond the 5 normal years for UPT (excluded from 5). If need more USERRA protection details send PM. You don't need an employers permission. I would not discuss with my CP either.

That's NUTS!

I had great time in Navy Reserves, Korea, Norway, Singapore, RAF Mildenhall and more. I am single though. Gives you a good back up plan also.

Unless something has changed in the last few years, you need to be under 30 the day you start UPT. If you are just asking the question now, then you'll need to factor in the time to find a unit, interview/rush, complete the application process, graduate from a commissioning source, and PCS to your UPT base. That's probably a good 14-18 months best case.

There is such a thing as an age waiver, but in my 3 & 1/2 years teaching in AETC, I never saw a student come through training who had one.

You're sure age isn't an issue?

Troll alert

Maybe, but valid question. I know of an SP going through UPT right now for a guard fighter unit that has a job at a Legacy. Though rare, this will become more common over the next few years and these guys have the potential to have epic careers.

Same at UPS, we have a 25 year old newhire. Not inexperienced. In past they have hired some mid twenties folks. They could have gone legacy I'm sure. Time to make it if pursue and timing works.

Given the timeline you mentioned, yes I am sure - no issue